Top-rated eSports gambling sites in Spain

Located in Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, Spain has a unique geography and diverse cultures. Madrid, the capital city, is home to the Royal Palace. Commonly referred to as the home of sea, sun, and siesta, Spain has so much to offer for residents and tourists alike.

The country has a flourishing betting industry, thanks to the good laws that govern the 17 autonomous Spain regions. When choosing the best e-sports sites, you should consider simple issues such as site security and language. Others are the variety of e-sports offered, payment options, licensing, and a variety of e-sports markets. There are hundreds of sites at your disposal.

Top-rated eSports gambling sites in Spain
Best online esports bookies for Spanish players

Best online esports bookies for Spanish players

Online esports betting is becoming popular in the country. There is approximately 93.2% internet penetration among the Spanish population. Gamblers can play their favorite games at any time. Additionally, fans can watch or place stakes when their favorite esports teams or players are playing.

Esports betting provides huge entertainment and economic benefits for players, the government, and investors. On this page you will find everything you need to know about esports betting in Spain, its history, legal aspects, FAQs, best teams, and players.

Best online esports bookies for Spanish players
History of eSports betting in Spain

History of eSports betting in Spain

Betting in Spain began many centuries ago. This article will delve into the history of gambling before the entry of online casinos.

History of gambling

Although gambling had been in Spain for centuries, there was no dedicated building where people could gather to play. The first casinos began as cultural clubs where players met to play pool and interact with their peers. They were technically gentleman clubs that served the wealthy and were invite only.

Opened in 1914, Real Casino Antiguo of Castellon became the first known official casino in Spain. It later changed its name to Puerta del Sol. The Casino is currently found in Castellon de la Plana. It is the epitome and definition of the early works that set the stage for betting in Spain.

Real casino de Murcia is worth mentioning. It moved places after experiencing tremendous growth. It is currently referred to as the casino of the king after King Don Julio 1 named it Royal. Another ancient gambling den is the Casino of Madrid located on Calle Alcala.

However, the Franco regime prohibited most gambling activities. The only exceptions were National Lottery, pool tables, and sweepstakes. The government decriminalized gambling in 1977 by allowing bingo houses and casinos after Franco's death in 1975.

Gambling today in Spain

Gambling is arguably flourishing the most in Spain compared to other European countries. With more than 250,000 slot machines in different regions, it even surpasses Las Vegas. Currently online betting, including esports, is experiencing surging popularity, thanks to internet access and the love for esports.

History of eSports betting in Spain
Esports nowadays in Spain

Esports nowadays in Spain

Esports has experienced commendable growth in Spain due to many factors. First, there is a professional competition that has sponsors where winners get diverse gifts. Second, many betting sites made it possible to play games online over the internet. Barcelona is defined as the center of esports in Europe, for the numerous esports tournaments held in the city annually.

Did you know that the first-ever professional esport competition happened in Spain in January 2011? Organized by the Professional League of Video (LVP) games, Orange Superleague Gamergy has grown to become the largest esports organization in Spain. Approximately, 15% of Spain’s population, a majority of whom are men, follow, attend, or stream the esports games in the country. That’s tremendous growth considering only 400 people attended the first event in 2011.

The country loves esports tournaments such as FIFA, Pro-Evolution Soccer, Clash Royale, and CS: GO. Since all fans cannot attend due to factors like limited space during events, many esports betting Spain fans prefer to follow the action online. There are dozens of credible betting with different games variety today. Apart from esports, major cities across the country hold major poker tournaments that witness increased participants annually.

Future of esports in Spain

In April 2013, Spanish Gaming Authority approved plans allowing online slots and betting exchanges. That move paved the way for future growth in esports. For instance, since 2015, Spain is among the best evolving esports betting and gaming destinations globally. In Europe, it boasts of the most outstanding esports ecosystems.

Analysts project massive growth over the next decade. Spanish clubs have played an important role in promoting esports, which can only get better with time. Other stakeholders like publishers, telecoms, food brands, car manufacturers, among others remain extremely important for the growth of esports. The number of tournaments and players is expected to grow by more than 100% each year, as will that of online bettors.

Esports games have gone mainstream, from expensive consoles to tech devices. The number and scope of the competitions will increase, as the internet is expected to reach people and places without connection. The number of esports stars is expected to go up.

Esports nowadays in Spain
Esports legislation in Spain

Esports legislation in Spain

Around a decade and a half ago years ago, online gambling in Spain was largely unregulated. However, in 2006, the Spanish regulation authority enacted the first betting laws, which defined operating rules. They included both online gambling and licensed betting outlets. Esports betting was not yet famous then.

Since the first Esports streaming in 2011, the national government oversees and regulated the operations of esports online betting sites. However, shops had begun setting up towards the end of 2008, with British and Spanish organizations creating strategic partnerships.

Smaller autonomous regions like Catalonia began issuing brick-and-mortar casinos while online casinos gambling such as slots, blackjack, remained illegal. That has since changed since most esports events are held in Barcelona, Catalonia region annually.

Regardless of the start, the Espanyol government began revolutionizing esports regulation by creating a commission to recommend better legislation processes. The final results by the commission led to the enactment of the Spanish 2011 Gambling Act. It formed the foundation of physical and online platforms. The government issues esports sites 10-year licenses, renewable after expiry.

Esports legislation in Spain
Betting acts in Spain

Betting acts in Spain

All betting activities in Spain must adhere to the Spanish Act No.13//2011. Esport service providers and players must adhere to this Act when gambling. The act defines gambling as an activity where a certain amount of money is at risk and results depend on chance to some degree. However, the Gaming Act excludes cases where sports are played for fun, as a hobby, or as a recreational activity.

The gaming act stipulates that live casinos and online games such as roulette, bingo, and lotteries must operate within defined authorization. While esports can operate with different organizations, only two operators provide lotto services. One of them is state-owned while the other is owned privately.

They are Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles (ONCE) and Sociedad Estatal Loterías y Apuestas del Estado (SELAE).

Therefore, the Gaming Act favors esports since there are several partners and licensed companies such as Betway, Bet22, and Pinnacle.

The Act also defines how the gambling companies operate at the national and 17 autonomous regions. The former regulates online casinos while the latter regulates land-based casinos. The Act implies that some ‘law clauses’ are subject to change and differ depending on the region. The government regulates online casinos because players can play them from their tech devices.

Betting acts in Spain
Spanish players' favorite games

Spanish players' favorite games

There are diverse esports games that attract millions of fans in Spain. Although COD and Clash Royale, attract many fans and players in other countries, Spain is exceptional. The most famous esports game is Rocket League, which allows only pro teams to participate. It is played by only 28 squads, competing for the ultimate prize.

The second is CS: GO, in which players seek to have an adventure, thrill, and emerge as winners. It is followed closely by LoL. Compared to other countries in Europe, the above games are more popular among Spanish players. In competitions, they attract more teems than their peers.

Other notable esports games include FIFA and Pro-Evolution Soccer. Thanks to the domestic football league, LA Liga, that supports the two esports tournaments. The 2020 edition had more than one-million streams on LaLIgaSports TV. It is famous with players who also love real-life football games. Other games include Heroes of the Storm and StarCraft.

Have you ever heard of Daniel Romeru Aka Goga? He is the biggest Spanish gaming star. He has earned more than $315,000 while playing the less popular Rainbow 6 Siege!

Other games with upcoming and star players are Halo Reach, NBA 2K League, and Overwatch 2.

The popularity of these games among players and fans also reflects on the betting scene. The more a game is loved, the more people bet on it. There is a psychological notion that people will bet better on esports that they watch often.

Spanish players' favorite games
Payment methods in Spain

Payment methods in Spain

Spanish esports companies know that having a wide variety of payment methods is key to staying competitive. The ideal method lies with you. Most players prefer E-wallets since it is an online platform, like the games they play. The most popular e-wallet companies are PayPal, Neteller, ecoPayz, and Skrill. It is rare to find an online casino that does not accept an e-wallet as a payment or deposit method.

The second most popular payment method is debit and credit cards. They have changed how people handle cash. Players can choose to use either VISA or MasterCard debit or credit cards. They are accepted and used widely for cash transactions.

The reason for this is that they have reliable security systems and work well with online platforms. Many Spanish punters prefer this method because the funds are deposited directly to the bank. They can also deposit straight to their esports account from the bank.

Another option is direct bank transfer. However, this option is not that popular because of the long time it takes for funds reflect in the player's account. Additionally, it is unpopular with online casino providers. What if your money is stuck for five days? The choice lies with you!

Payment methods in Spain
FAQ

FAQ

What esports can I bet on in Spain?

You can find almost all esports on betting sites in Spain. Among the most popular are FIFA, Pro-Evolution Soccer, and NBA 2K League. Others include Dota 2, Valorant, CS: GO, COD, LoL, and Halo.

Are esports betting sites safe?

Yes! There are several safe and secure gambling esports websites in Spain. You can check out a site's online reviews and licensing to determine its authenticity.

What is the legal betting age in Spain?

A player must have attained 18-years-old to gamble on esports websites or any other approved and regulated betting entity in Spain.

Is it legal to bet on esports sites in Spain?

Yes! It is legal to bet on esports for players living in Spain. Additionally, tourists can also place bets when visiting the country.

Is Spanish esports market growing compared to its peers?

Yes! With internet penetration standing at 93.2%, the Spanish esports betting industry is growing at an outstanding rate globally. One growth sign is the expansion of Giants Gaming’s steady evolution team.

They managed to acquire a fellow country team, x6tence, in June 2020 after raising approximately $3 million in capital. Another sign is the influx of betting sites such as Betway, 22Bet, Bwin among others setting up in Spain!

FAQ